Plasma TVs facing green ban in Britain

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Large plasma televisions, described as "energy-guzzling... 4x4s of the living room" will soon see a UK ban.

Becoming part of Britain's battle against climate change, ministers have told The Independent on Sunday that "minimum energy performance standards" for televisions are likely to be agreed across Europe this spring.

With echoes of the 100W light bulb phase out that's seen Brits apparently "panic-buying" stocks of the less energy efficient lighting, those who fancy a flatscreen behemoth may want to act soon to order one.

Plasma televisions are said to consume four times as much energy as CRT TVs, with the average for a 42-inch plasma around 822 kilowatt hours a year, compared to 350kWh for the average 42-inch LCD.

The mandatory EU regulations are expected to set minimum standards (complete with an energy rating labelling system) for televisions with the worst performers due to be phased out.